Gratitude for Others

Ed Whittlesey

A recent Maritz Poll found that a simple “thank you” can be hard to come by in the workplace. The poll surveyed 1,002 adults nationwide and found that twenty-six percent of employees are thanked seldom or never by their supervisor for a job well done. An additional twenty-nine percent hear an occasional thanks. Only about a third (thirty-five percent) are thanked frequently. While those numbers might be surprising, it doesn’t take much to figure out there is definite room for improvement. Though this poll wasn’t focused on Christianity and conducted strictly amongst Christians, its outcome is worth our consideration. We are presented with many opportunities to express gratitude and appreciation for others’ efforts in serving the Lord. Expressions of gratitude and appreciation result in the encouragement and motivation of others. It tells others that what they are doing is important and meaningful. One of Maritz’ VP’s was quoted as saying, “It’s amazing how much two simple words can mean to an employee.” Again, the same is true from a spiritual standpoint. Christians can always use encouragement. In efforts to do good, we can become disheartened by those who oppose us. In striving to live righteously, Satan lurks around and attempts to derail us. In such circumstances, the voice of a friend and fellow Christian is quite comforting. The support we receive from those who have overcome similar experiences is reassuring and uplifting.

Perhaps Paul demonstrated the power of gratitude best in conveying his appreciation for many of the New Testament churches and their work. The bulk of the Epistles begin with a greeting of peace and love, wherein Paul expresses gratitude to God for His providential care of the brethren. He also offers kind wishes for the brethren. For instance, the Thessalonian church had been encouraging and building each other up, and Paul urged them to continue in the good work (see 1 Thess. 5:11). On the other hand, Paul himself was encouraged by the brotherly welcome of the Christians at Rome. When they heard of his voyage to their city, they bravely traveled several miles to meet him, Acts 28:15. To the Colossian church, Paul expressed his concern that they might be “comforted and encouraged, and be knit together in love” (Col. 2:2). He knew that such a state would enable them to withstand the false teachings which were so prevalent around them.

Knowing that genuine words of encouragement have motivational power, how can we be an active source of strength and encouragement for our fellow brothers and sisters? A good start would be to let them know we appreciate their work or ability. For example, we could let a brother in Christ know that we appreciate his unique ability to petition and praise the Lord in prayer. Another example would be to commend a sister in Christ for her warm personality, cheerful smile, and special way of making people feel welcome. Along the same lines, we should build our elders up by letting them know how much their sacrifice, dedication, and care for our souls is appreciated (note 1 Thess. 5:12). The point is, expressing our appreciation for others will encourage and motivate them to continue to serve the Lord in new and better ways.

It is not enough to merely refrain from saying and doing what will discourage, damage and offend others. Instead, Paul instructs us to “…encourage one another, and build up one another…,” 1 Thess. 5:11. Having a true appreciation for others will eliminate destructive criticism, gossip, and divisiveness. In fact, Paul warns against such things and charges us to only speak those things which strengthen and edify (Eph. 4:29). For men, women, and children, young and old alike; it is part of our Christian responsibility to say and practice things that contribute to the building up of fellow Christians. As parents, we need to be teaching our children to be thankful for others, and to encourage others by letting them know we appreciate them. What a better way to learn, than having our children see and hear dad and mom active in strengthening and edifying other Christians. As was pointed out earlier, let’s be careful to not under estimate the value of a kind word. It does a world of good to the receiver as well as the giver.

May the Lord richly bless our efforts to stimulate the spiritual growth of others by strengthening them and expressing our appreciation for them.